UAE Calls for Regional Diplomacy and Peace at UN General Assembly

At the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday, the UAE urged nations across the Middle East and globally to choose creation over conflict. Addressing the final day of speeches at a meeting overshadowed by Middle East conflicts, Khalifa Al Marar, Minister of State, emphasized that the UAE's foreign policy prioritizes de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue, while firmly rejecting threats and coercion.

Amid rising threats to commercial shipping, the minister underscored the necessity of freedom of navigation in international waters. “We extend our hands to our partners in the region and the world to build rather than destroy and to unite rather than divide,” he stated. Mr Al Marar also reiterated the UAE's demand for a peaceful resolution to its long-standing dispute with Iran concerning three occupied Arabian Gulf islands, advocating for direct negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice.

Regarding Sudan, Mr Al Marar urged an immediate ceasefire to halt the civil war and called for a political transition that excludes both warring factions and extremist groups from future governance. He pressed the international community to demand serious engagement with peace initiatives from both the Port Sudan authorities and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Addressing the situation in Gaza, Mr Al Marar reaffirmed the UAE’s backing for US President Donald Trump’s proposal to resolve the conflict. He stressed that the initiative must involve the withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Strip, the disarmament of Hamas, and progress toward a two-state solution. Furthermore, he condemned Israeli actions in the West Bank, including settler violence, the blockade of Palestinian villages, and violations in East Jerusalem and holy sites, reaffirming the UAE's ongoing humanitarian and development support for Palestinians.

Mr Al Marar concluded by affirming the UAE's dedication to supporting diplomatic resolutions in Yemen, Libya, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, and Haiti, while highlighting the nation's focus on women's empowerment, youth inclusion, moderation, and regional investment.